"Ever since the widespread and ecumenical renewal of Christian initiation was begun by the publication of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults both Catholic and Protestant ministers and scholars of initiation have, for good theological reasons, focused on the connection between Easter, especially the Easter Vigil, and Christian initiation. But even if Easter is the center, the baptismal tradition of the church is much richer than this. In this book, Maxwell Johnson offers catechists, pariosh liturgists, pastors, religious educators and all who are involved in the church's baptismal ministries a study of some of the key baptismal images and metaphors that scripture and the church's great liturgical traditions hand on to us.....(from back cover.)

Excerpt from Essays on Christian Baptism The cause of the bible is the cause of God, and the only noble cause of men. The individual who contributes anything to the more wide diffusion of the light which is from heaven, among the inhabitants Of the earth, promotes that cause, ele vates the human character, and brings the world under Obligation to him as a benefactor at the same time he adds a note to the anthem once sung by angels Glory to God in the highest On earth peace; good will to ward men. In order to do this, it is not indispensable that new truth be discovered. The bible contains an entire and perfect theology; and to take of the things of Christ and show them to men, is enough. This the Christian may do, as the instrument Of the Holy Spirit. It is a no less noble or useful work to help a Chris tian brother to clearer and brighter light, than to reflect the light on the darkness Of unregenerated minds. The main design Of this book is, to communicate important truths to scholars already in the school of Christ. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.